Roommate profiles
Roommates share how they have learned to live well together—and even become friends

By Molly Monet '15 | Photography by Kelly Powers

Emmanuel & Nii: High school friends making it work

Before Calvin:

“I knew my roommate from high school, and we were good friends. However, I didn’t have to see him every single day of the week or sleep in the same room with him. Outside school days, we didn’t actually see each other. My greatest worry was that we would get so accustomed to each other that we would [eventually] be fed up with each other.” - Emmanuel

Advice to new students:

“When you have a roommate, whether you’ve known him since kindergarten, or you’re going to meet him [in your dorm], you should know that the best thing to go with is respect: respect for the person, his personal space, and his views.” – Emmanuel

“It is not easy at first, even for someone you may know. You have to give it time and you have to make a conscious effort to get to know each other.” – Nii

Abigail & Gabrielle: Second year roomies

At Calvin:

“We met our freshman year and became good friends. We also have the same major, which is really nice because our interests are similar due to that.” - Gabrielle

When you disagree:

“It’s important to try and think ahead about your actions to see how they would affect your roommate or suitemates. Try and be really open-minded because everyone’s story is different. Also, you don’t have to be best friends, you just have to be able to live together well.” – Gabrielle

Devin & Nate: Bonding on track

Before Calvin:

“At first, we didn’t spend much time together or get to know each other, but I think that was mainly because neither of us knew what to ask. I wish we had done something intentional to get to know each other, even if it was something small. Now that we’re both going to track practice and have that in common, it’s been a lot easier.” - Devin

When you disagree:

“Living with others calls for settling on certain things. If you are messy and they are clean (or vice versa), room setup can help or hurt the situation. Plan accordingly! College is hard enough, don’t make your living situation any harder than it needs to be!” – Nate

Advice to new students:

“Be flexible. If you’re willing to work out problems, then he will be too. Don’t have too many expectations, cause you really don’t know what you’re going to get. Get to know each other at first, so then when (not “if”) conflicts come up, you won’t end up hating each other.” – Devin

Jenna & Kim: Weighed the pros and cons

At Calvin:

“We talked on Facebook before moving in. We also talked to our RD (Resident Director) about the pros and cons of living together.” – Jenna

Advice to new students:

“Be honest and open with each other. If there is a problem, confront it right away instead of letting it build and build (because it will). On the other hand, be willing to listen and make changes. Also, encourage each other in your studies and in life.” – Jenna

David & Cazber: Share a love of raquetball

At Calvin:

“We got along from the start. We share a similar form of humor and like similar things. Both of us like to play racquetball and [other] sports. We often go to Johnny’s together and will study with one another.” – David

When you disagree:

“We disagreed on how we should set up the room. We solved this by trying both options and then deciding together which one we liked better. By communicating we were able to arrange in a way we both saw fit.” – David

Advice to new students:

“Come in with an open mind willing to be friends with your roommate. If nothing else, at least be willing to talk to them, and talk through your differences. Believe it or not, your roommate is probably just as nervous as you are about them.” – Cazber

“I love talking and laughing with my roommate. We always tell each other about our days and things that are going on in our lives. Talking with each other is how we bond with each other. We can talk about deep and serious topics one moment, and then in the next minute we find ourselves rolling on the ground in laughter. Some of our shared interests include music, kids, hiking, and Jesus!” – Christina

“Our philosophy of any good relationship is “one argument a day.” That way you get everything out in the open, normally that leads to fake fights and laughter.” – Michaela

Advice to new students:

“You will not be matched up with a person who has your exact interests, passions, and hobbies. Therefore, learn to accept each other’s differences because those qualities are what makes both of you unique.” – Christina

“Don’t worry if you don’t click right away. Relationships take time to form. Also, don’t be afraid to hang out with many different people at the beginning of the year and be friendly. Don’t form a distinct friend group too quickly. Also: just laugh and order pizza together.” – Michaela

Kailey & Annaka: Thriving in familiarity

At Calvin:

“My roommate has become my best friend, my confidant, and my crutch that helps me with all the daily struggles I may face.” - Annaka

Things they disagree on:

“Who gets to shower first…we race.” – Kailey

Advice to new students:

“Don’t be afraid to room with someone you know! People might be a little judgmental at first, but if you know it’s what you feel comfortable with, don’t be afraid to embrace that. I made a great choice rooming with someone I knew from high school, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone!” – Annaka

Zach, Lance & Ross: The three engineers

At Calvin:

“We are all friends, all engineering majors, share common interests, and do most activities together.” – Ross

Things they disagree on:

“If vaccines and 2% milk are good for you. We try not to bring the subject up.” – Lance

Advice to new students:

“Try to truly understand who your roommates are as people, students, and believers in God and always try to work towards finding similarities between you and your roommates.” – Ross

“Work with each other. You’re not going to like everything about your roommate(s). Accept that.” – Lance

How you spend your time in college is probably going to look a little different from how you spent it in high school (goodbye study hall!) Check out these schedules from real freshmen to get a feel for how your day might look at Calvin.